VITRO REIT, Inc. (VITRO), a subsidiary of ePLDT within the PLDT Group, and Philippines power firm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) have last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to undertake a feasibility study on a sustainable, power-enabled digital infrastructure proposition in the Philippines.
The collaboration combines MGEN’s expertise in power generation and supply, including renewable energy, with VITRO’s capabilities in data center development, operations, connectivity, and engagement with hyperscalers, according to MGEN’s press release.
Under the MOU, both parties will undertake joint technical and commercial studies to assess potential sites, power generation capacity, renewable energy resources, connectivity requirements, data center specifications, and commercial structures.
MGEN will identify potential sites for data center developments integrated with power generation facilities, as well as evaluate potential power supply arrangements, while VITRO will conduct data center design and site studies, connectivity planning, and engagement with prospective hyperscalers.
VITRO REIT, Inc. President and CEO Victor S. Genuino said, “Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI investments to the country. VITRO is committed to working closely with the energy sector to help secure ample, stable, sustainable, and affordable energy for the digital infrastructure that supports the Philippines’ digital economy.”
MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said, “This collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. Power is increasingly becoming a critical factor in where and how data centers are developed. By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure.”
The government is trying to position the Philippines as a data center hub on par with Malaysia.
In June, VITRO filed for the country’s first digital infrastructure real estate investment trust (REIT). The proposed REIT will be backed by eight data center assets with a combined capacity of 27 MW and targets listing this month.